#I had a great time at Disneyland today

[iguana-eyanna]

Now That I See You

Pairing: Damien Haas x Reader

Summary: Damien knew he wanted to be with you since you two first met, and now he wants to start writing the next chapter for your happy ending

A/n: so I recently saw a TikTok of Damien singing "I See The Light" and I KNEW I had to write something

You and Damien decided to take a trip to Disneyland, treating yourselves to a well-deserved trip.

Now as you two were very busy in your careers, you haven't been hanging out as much as you like to. So why not enjoy a day Disney bounding like one of your favorite characters: Rapunzel and Flynn Rider?

"I can't believe we haven't done this together." You said, taking a bite of a sweet treat you bought at a food stand.

"We really picked a good day to go out too. Perfect weather, not too crowded, and I get to spend it with my princess." Damien said, squeezing your hand gently.

You started to blush a shade of pink and you kissed Damien's cheek, making him match the same rosy cheeks as you.

"Excuse me?" a young voice said.

You both turn around and see a young girl, probably around the age of 6, dressed head to toe like the Tangled princess herself next to her parents.

"Are you Rapunzel?" She asks, her eyes beginning to widen with anticipation.

"I'm sorry, the Rapunzel meet and greet closed when we got here. She's been wanting to meet her so bad." The mom whispered for you two to hear.

You mouthed an 'Oh' quickly before you knelt down, smiling.

"Why, yes I am! And may I say you have a lovely dress, Princess..."

"Malia! Princess Malia." She said, courtesying.

"Why it's very lovely to meet you, Princess Malia. Eugene, isn't she just stunning?" You ask, staring up at Damien.

He brightens as he gets in character.

"Why she is, Blondie. It's very nice to meet you, too." Damien said, bowing down to her.

"Why's your hair purple?" She asks, pointing up at Damien.

"Oh! Um, I ate a plum, not knowing it's cursed. It made my hair purple! We're trying to find a magic item to break the spell." he replied quickly, making the young girl scrunch her nose and then laugh.

"Silly prince," she said, making you almost chuckle.

She turns around and jumps up and down.

"Mommy, can I take a picture with Rapunzel and Eugene?" she asks.

"I'm not sure baby, they have to go break the spell, remember?" she said, not wanting to impose on your time.

"Oh, we don't mind! I'd love to capture this moment too if that's alright." You said, making Malia squeal with joy.

The mom mouthed a quick thank you as you and Damien posed with the young girl. Damien stepped out of the picture so it could just be you two.

"Thank you again for doing this, Malia is going to remember this for the rest of her life." the dad said to Damien.

"Of course! I'm glad we got to make her wish come true." Damien said, seeing how Malia was still talking to you and you looked like your heart was about to burst with cuteness.

"You guys are great with kids, are you two married or...?"

Damien looks back at the dad, a bit startled.

"Oh uh, no. We've been together for 2 years now."

"Well, you two look very much in love. I look at my wife every day and I'm thankful I got to ask her to marry me." The dad concluded, walking over to his little family.

That night when Damien came back to his apartment, he was on his phone, endlessly scrolling for the perfect ring to propose you with.

+

"You look beautiful," Damien said, leaning by the door frame as he came to pick you up.

"Why thank you, you look quite dashing yourself." You said, putting the finishing touches on your makeup.

It's been four months since that day in Disneyland, and today you two were going to shoot a music cover together, singing "I See The Light" from the Tangled soundtrack.

It was Damien's idea, and you guys have been rehearsing for about a month. He asked Courtney to help out with recording and Shayne to set up some decorations by a park.

You and Damien walked over since it was close to your apartment and saw your friends brighten up.

"Aw, it looks so good guys! This has to be the most beautiful set I've recorded at." You said, noticing the decorative lanterns and the purple and pink flowers.

"Yeah, once it hits 6:00 pm we should capture the golden hour..." Courtney said, showing you how her camera can capture the scene, making you preoccupied.

Shayne goes up to Damien who falls silent, walking back and forth on a stone path.

"Hey, it's going to be alright." Shayne reassured his friend.

"I know, it's just - jitters I guess."

"Trust me, she's going to say yes, I think it's better than me practicing with you."

Damien laughs, remembering how he and Shayne would use the weekend when Shayne would take your place and pretend how you'd react once Damien popped the question.

"Thank you, for everything you and Court have been doing. I couldn't ask for better friends."

Shayne proudly smiles as he quickly hugs his friend, trying not to cry.

"You're doing great man. Let's get you ready." Shayne concluded, patting Damien's shoulder as the two walk over to you and Courtney.

She helped direct your positions as you began to perform.

All those days watching from the windows All those years outside looking in All that time never even knowing Just how blind I've been Now I'm here, blinking in the starlight Now I'm here, suddenly I see Standing here, it's all so clear I'm where I'm meant to be And at last I see the light And it's like the fog has lifted And at last I see the light And it's like the sky is new And it's warm and real and bright And the world has somehow shifted All at once everything looks different Now that I see you

You turn at Damien, smiling and he felt a flutter in his chest. Then, he too began to sing.

All those days chasing down a daydream All those years living in a blur All that time, never truly seeing Things the way they were Now she's here, shining in the starlight Now she's here, suddenly I know If she's here, it's crystal clear I'm where I'm meant to go

You and Damien held each other's hands as you looked lovingly in each other's eyes.

And at last I see the light And it's like the fog has lifted And at last I see the light And it's like the sky is new And it's warm and real and bright And the world has somehow shifted All at once, everything is different Now that I see you Now that I see you

And that's when Damien knew in this moment, that this was it. Time slowed down when he began to kneel on one knee. You looked confused as Damien was still looking up at you. It wasn't until he tries to reach for something in his pocket

"Dami?" You whisper in a small voice, now chocked up.

"When we went to Disney Land together, you made this little kid's dreams come true. And then suddenly, the world somehow shifted. I wanted to have a new dream with you. So..."

He says your full name as his smile becomes brighter.

"... will you marry me?"

You start nodding right away as you lower yourself where he is, beginning to cry.

"Yes! Yes, I will marry you." You said.

Both of you begin to cry as you hold onto each other. Damien slides the ring on your finger as he looks at you with so much love. You two stand up and you look back at your friends who caught the whole thing.

Shayne was slightly crying as Court was comforting him.

"You don't know how long we've been waiting for this." Court replied, making you all chuckle.

"What do you mean? I've been dying to do this for two years!" Damien added.

You playfully roll your eyes as you allow yourself in Damien's embrace, feeling like this is where you belong, right here in this moment.

[things-arent-what-they-seem66]

A small gift for @breedtheseed who needs a little fluff in their life.

Based on my Freshly Brewed Adamsapple

Adam had no idea where they were going. Lucifer had said that he and their girls were all going out today but he wouldn't say where. "You really aren't gonna tell me?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, now would it?" Lucifer said as he drove down the highway. "It'll take a while but I promise it'll be worth it."

"Are we going to Disneyland?!" Charlie and Emily shouted from the backseat.

"Good guess but no, my dears." A course of 'awwww' came from behind and Lucifer just shook his head playfully.

Adam looked out the window, he noticed that they were leaving the city limits. "Going somewhere that we are leaving the city?"

"Yup! You can keep guessing my love, but I'm not gonna spill the beans on this one."

Adam flushed, he still wasn't used to Lucifer calling him that. "What about a hint?"

Lucifer thought about it, humming he answered. "Okay, one hint. It involves the outdoors."

Adam started to think about it, something they could all do outdoors that they had to leave the city for. Not a picnic they could have just done that in the backyard. He wracked his brain for what it could be.

Lucifer turned off on an exit that led to a small town. "Almost there."

"Where are we?"

"You'll see!"

Adam watched as houses and small stores passed them by. They kept driving until they got to turn off with a sign. "Camping?"

"Yeah! I figured this would be a great time for us to go camping as a family. Our girls are out of school for the summer, things aren't as crazy right now. Why not?" Lucifer beamed, he'd been planning this for a while. He needed to pick a weekend where Greg wouldn't fucking bother him.

"Fuck yeah, this is great! You hear that girls we're going camping!"

"Yay!" Came Charlie's reply.

"What's camping, daddy?" Was Emily's question.

"Oh, well that's when you sleep in a tent outside, cook over a log fire you make yourself and spend all your time in nature." Adam hoped that was a good enough answer.

Emily brightened. "That sounds amazing!"

They pulled into their spot and parked the car. Lucifer grabbed the tents and started setting them up as Adam helped the girls out and gather their things. Once the tents were pitched, sleeping bags were put inside, Lucifer grabbed a picnic basket that he filled for all of them.

Adam started a small fire in the pit as the girls ran around burning off energy. "This is a wonderful surprise, Luci."

"Glad you like it. Girls! Dinner!" Emily and Charlie came over and sat on the blanket on the ground. They each accepted a sandwich and munched happily.

Adam and Lucifer ate their own and sipped on wine, there was apple juice for the girls. Lucifer raised his glass to his boyfriend, "To the perfect weekend."

Adam smiled and clinked his glass. "To the perfect weekend." They took another drink of wine before sharing a sweet, soft kiss.

[epersonae]

five fic Friday

today it seems especially appropriate to rec some fics; we're going to keep these lovely characters and this lovely story alive in each others' hearts for a long time, I think, and this is part of how 💖

this week I've got five AUs, four long ones and a short one:

Our Fangs Mean Death (T, 86k) - modern vampires AU. this one had some moments of genius humor, including something about the Swede that I will not give away.

My Ocean Deep (E, 62k) by @piratecaptainscaptainpirates - Ed is a shapeshifter kraken-ish creature, Stede is a cryptid hunter who has been hired by the Badmintons to find......yup, the kraken. I especially loved the crew in this!

the happiest place on earth (is here with you) by @medievill (M, 33k) - I was SO delighted to see this AU come back and finish up recently. I am a Disneyland girlie rather than Disney World, tho it's been [mumble mumble] years since I've been there either, but I enjoyed this as the backdrop for a solid modern AU.

More of the Gravy Basket than of the Grave (E, 36k) by @veeagainsttheday - I missed this when it first came out on account of Leg Broke, so it was fantastic to discover later, a great spooky story with some delightful worldbuilding.

Every snowflake is different (just like you) (M, 2423) by @oatmilktruther - did I perhaps cry into my blahaj reading this? PERHAPS. just the sweetest little modern meet-cute that I want to tuck into my pocket and carry around at all times.

[seaofreverie]

Sparkstember Day 11: Angst In My Pants (The Decline And Fall Of Me)

Album two of two in the series of Sparks' immaculate new wave releases! Iconic in every way imaginable from the music to the artwork to ONE music video. I think it's more musically (and lyrically!) varied and mature in tone (besides... a couple exceptions. Yes, an album called Angst In My Pants) than its predecessor, which is a very good development. These songs will leave you chuckling and bopping along and also pondering the intricacies of human existence. Ok, maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but it can't be denied that behind much of the earnestness and theatricality here, there's lots of quite emotional, introspective and thought-provoking stuff to be found.

Thematically, this album goes everywhere. One moment we are in Sextown U.S.A, the next we're visiting Disneyland, California where we make friends among people and animals. On a more serious note though, I think the biggest emotional whiplash one could experience between different songs on an album is between Mickey Mouse and Sherlock Holmes. And yet there's still a very prominent element of humour, even in those songs that are on the more serious or dramatic end of the scale.

I said a few days ago that I'd try to return to the topic of Sparks' brand of humour and how it works, but I don't feel intelligent enough to analyse that today. And I'm pretty sure that from what I've seen, Other People And The Maels Themselves (Said It Better Than Me). So instead, as a little send-off, please remember: if a mouse can be special, well, SO CAN YOU!!! 🫵

Favourite songs (and other highlights):

Angst In My Pants: literally no other song like this one in this world. I can't tell why that is but it's just. So great

I Predict: I had a weird kind of effect where I heard this song in my early days of Sparking and it felt VEEERY familiar to me. I think it was due to the genre / style here, it reminded me of something specific, at first I thought it was very glam rock but I'm pretty sure that this is not it but something else (and I don't know what to call it in that case!). Anyway, banger song

Tarzan And Jane: whoa wait, am I already skipping to the third-to-last song on the tracklist?? I guess I am. This one's great and one of my early favs too (I wonder how long it will take until I run out of things to say about my fav songs and it all just becomes this list of 'it's very good and I like it a lot. next.')

The Decline And Fall Of Me: it's great!! I like it!! And, of course, "check out my pizzas"

Eaten By The Monster Of Love: personal reasons that lead to a printed and framed mini-comic of my making appearing on my desk, which features some of the lyrics of this song, which caused me to have it permanently stuck in my head for a pretty long period of time. And this way I ended up liking it much much more than I did in the beginning, when it still seemed somehow pretty unremarkable to me

[avmlsu]

Okay how was your birthday today did you have a good time tho

I had such a great birthday today at Disneyland with you gurl. Riding Space Mountain, going to LEGO store, having a good club sandwich for supper and checking out hot dads in line. 🧔🏻‍♂️👨🏻💅🏻

[canirove]

In The Name of Love | Chapter 25

Previous chapter | Next chapter

Masterlist

"You know, instead of just laying there looking pretty, you could help me with all these clothes."

"Being this pretty is a really hard job, Val. And if I helped you, you would definitely end up telling me that I'm doing everything wrong and doing it all by yourself" Pedri shrugs.

"Idiot."

"Hey! I am injured, remember? There is no need to be violent. Poor Minnie" he says, cuddling the stuffed toy I've thrown at him.

"Yes, you are injured in the head."

"Love you too, Val" he says with a stupid smile. "Why do you still have these around your room, tho? Aren't they for kids?" he smirks.

"I work with kids and I'm dating one. I need them to understand you better" I reply, sticking out my tongue.

"This Minnie has seen better days. How old is she?"

"My aunt bought it for me when I was born."

"Really? She looks like… 50. And you know you aren't older than 25."

"You are such an idiot" I say, rolling my eyes. "If Minnie looks old that's because she never left my side. I slept with her, played with her…"

"Attacked people with her…"

"She was my favourite toy as a kid and has great sentimental value."

"Val, hey. Are you ok?" Pedri says, getting up from the bed. "What is it?"

"Nothing" I say, looking away.

"Then why are you crying? Val" he says, cupping my face and making me look at him. "What is it?"

"Nothing, I just… Talking about Minnie reminded me of my aunt, the one who got her for me as a baby. She… She passed away a few years ago."

"And here I was making stupid jokes. I'm so sorry, Val. You aren't wrong when you call me an idiot."

"You didn't know" I shrug. "And they aren't sad tears. At least not all of them. You've also reminded me of good times, like when she would play with me and mimic Minnie's voice. She was really good at it."

"Was she?"

"Yeah. Or that's the memory I have" I smile. "She was Marina's age when I was born, so she saw me as a little sister more than as a niece. She got me that Minnie because she always wanted to go to Disneyland Paris but never could because her siblings told her they were too old for it, and with me she had an excuse to do it."

"Did you go?" Pedri asks, wiping away one of my tears.

"No, we didn't manage to. When I was old enough to understand what was going on she was at uni and then she moved abroad. She would only come back for Christmas and the summer holidays, which aren't the best moments to go to a place like Disney. Then I got busy with my own life, she got sick, and… well" I shrug.

"Do you still want to go?"

"I would love to, but no one wants to go with me. Marc said it was just for kids" I scoff.

"Well, lucky you, you are dating a kid who has never been to Disneyland."

"Really?" 

"We didn't have the money when I was younger. And now that I have it, no one cares anymore" Pedri shrugs.

"But a place like Disney… People may recognise you."

"I'll wear a wig if necessary. Anything to make you smile again" he says, caressing my cheek.

"You seriously are the cutest human being I've ever met."

"I know" he smirks. "And because I am the cutest, I'm gonna stop distracting you with my beauty and go make us a snack."

"Thank you, Pedri."

"What for? The snack? Being pretty?"

"Idiot" I say, hitting his arm. "Just thank you."

"You're welcome, Val" he says, kissing my forehead and leaving my room while I just stare at him smiling like... an idiot. Turns out that I also am one. One madly in love.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

When do the kids go on holidays?

Why?

Just answer me, Val 🙄

Friday

Until?

We have the next week off

Perfect then

Perfect for what?

Going somewhere just you and I ☺️

What? And the international break?

I'm not going. 

They called me today and said they don't want to risk it because of my injury. 

I'm sorry 

It's just some friendlies, don't worry

But now I am free to take my girlfriend on holidays ☺️

Tenerife?

Cold

Are we going somewhere cold or I got it completely wrong?

Both

You aren't helping, Pedro 🙄

🇫🇷🗼🐁🎡🎢🎠🐁

The mouse isn't because of Ratatouille 😉

Wait… wait wait wait WAIT DISNEYLAND?

Are you in?

OF COURSE I AM IN!!!!!!

Did you scream? Are you jumping?

Yes and yes 😂

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"I am finally here. Can you believe it?"

"What I can't believe is your face right now" Pedri chuckles, closing the door of our hotel room behind him.

"What?"

"I think I have never seen you smile like that, Val. I love it."

"And I love you" I say, walking towards him and wrapping my arms around his neck. "I love you very much. Thank you for this."

"Anything for you" he smiles.

"But you know… I think I should show you how much I love you and how thankful I am."

"What?"

"Yeah…" I say as I slowly move my hands from his neck to his chest.

"Val…" 

"Yes?" 

"What are you doing?" Pedri asks, his body tensing under my touch.

"Showing you how thankful I am" I reply with a teasing smile, my hands now moving under his clothes.

"Aren't you tired after all that traveling?"

"Nope. Are you?"

"A bit."

"Then let me do all the work. Arms up."

"What?" he laughs.

"I can't show you how thankful I am and how much I love you with all these clothes on. So arms up."

"Yes, ma'am" he chuckles.

"Good boy" I smile, getting rid of his sweatshirt and t-shirt all in one go. "Now shoes off, I'll take care of this" I say, untying his joggers.

"Done."

"Lay down on the bed."

"Ok" Pedri smirks while doing as I've told him. "You should be this bossy more often, Val. I like it. Now what?"

"Now get yourself comfortable and enjoy" I say before starting to take off my clothes.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"I can't believe we just had sex on a Mickey Mouse bed" Pedri laughs.

"You chose the room, I didn't."

"I did" he laughs again. "It was really good sex, by the way. Some of the best we've had. You definitely showed me how much you love me."

"Glad to hear that."

"And you need to be in charge more often, Val. That was so hot."

"Yeah, umm… Should we order some room service or go out? I'm starving" I say, trying to change the topic of conversation and ignore the way my face is burning. I still don't know where everything I just did to him came from.

"Of course you are" he chuckles. "I could do with some fresh air, to be honest."

"Oh, great! We can wear the hats I got us."

"You what?"

"Yeah, look" I say, leaving the bed and opening my suitcase. "I got a cap with Mickey ears for you and one with Minnie ears for me. We can match, and this way you will be able to hide your face a bit better. Though you won't be able to put on your hood with the ears. I think."

"It's ok, don't worry. But are we a matching couple now? That's very cheesy, Val" Pedri says with a teasing smile.

"We are in Disneyland for the first time. We are gonna be cheesy and proper tourists."

"Ok" he laughs. "Should we try on the caps? Maybe take a picture? I want to remember this moment."

"Just be careful with the angle."

"I'm a pro, Val. There won't be any nipples involved."

"It better not" I warn him, getting in bed next to him. "Let me… there" I say, putting the cap on his head.

"How do I look?"

"Gorgeous."

"Liar. I always look gorgeous" he smirks.

"I beg to differ" I say, putting on mine. "Now let's take that photo so we can go grab something to eat."

"I think I don't like bossy Val anymore."

"What?" I laugh.

"If she isn't going to ride me until I forget my name, I don't like her."

"Shut up and take that photo, Pedro.”

"Yeah… I don't like her. And I'm taking the photo, relax. Don't need to look at me as if you were going to rip off my head."

"I'm too hungry for that."

"Lucky me" he laughs. "Say Disney!" 

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"Pedri, we are gonna be late for breakfast!"

"Just a minute!" he says from the bathroom.

"If when we go downstairs they've run out of everything I like, I'm murdering you. What are you doing?"

"These eyebrows don't look this perfect on their own, Valeria" he says while pointing at them and finally joining me in the room. "There is work behind them."

"All the work I don't put on mine" I chuckle. "Anyway, are you ready?"

"One last thing."

"Pedri!" I groan.

"We can't leave without her."

"Her? Who?"

"Her" he smiles, showing me what he was hiding in his suitcase.

"Is that… Is that my Minnie?"

"Her twin sister. If you had come with your aunt you would have brought her with you, right?"

"I would have, yes."

"Well, I thought that we should do the same. But then I worried you may lose her or get her dirty, and if anything happened to her you would be gutted and I could not bear seeing you like that. So I bought you another Minnie for you to carry around the same way you would have done as a kid, but without having to worry about what happens to her. Though if she survives, it would be a cute memory."

"No."

"What?" Pedri says with a confused look.

"It would not be a cute memory. It would be one of the best memories of my life. And you are the one who is cute. The cutest human being ever" I say before throwing myself at him and hugging him while crying like a baby.

"Aww, Val" he says while hugging me back, one of his hands moving up and down my back, trying to comfort me. But that gesture only makes me cry harder. Why is he so cute?

"I love you, Pedri" I manage to say.

"I love you too" he replies.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"That was the best thing ever! So so so good! I kind of want to do it again."

"What?" Pedri says, looking at me as if I've grown another head.

"I was joking, don't worry" I laugh. "But it was so good! Much better than what I had seen online and… Pedri. Pedri, hey. Are you ok?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine."

"You are so pale… Let's sit down" I say, grabbing his arm and walking him towards a bench.

"Yes, let's sit down while my stomach goes back to its usual place."

"Pedri, you should have told me you were scared of the Tower of Terror before we went in. Look at you, you are so white you could pass for a Real Madrid shirt."

"I'm not in the mood for jokes, Valeria" he says, giving me a murderous look. "And if I didn't say anything it was because I didn't know I was scared of it. I thought it would be one of those houses where people show up out of nowhere and scare you, not one where you are dropped into the void."

"Sorry" I say, moving my hand up and down his arm, trying to comfort him like he had done for me a few hours ago. "There actually is a place like that, we can go later."

"I'll think about it."

"Ok" I chuckle. "But I guess this means we aren't checking the Star Wars ride."

"Do they drop you somewhere?"

"It is a rollercoaster."

"I'll think about that too" Pedri says, closing his eyes and leaning back on the bench.

"Is your stomach still on your throat?" 

"I don't know where it is anymore, Val. I don't know if I have a stomach anymore, to be honest."

"Aww, Pedri. Will a cuddle make you feel better?"

"We can try" he says, trying really hard not to smile.

"Look at you. Even while dying you still are a cheeky little thing" I giggle.

"Always, my dear" he replies. "Always."

[deke-rivers-1957]

Scott's World of Tomorrow

It was February 1956, a young Scott Heyward had just turned 16 years old. His father, Duster Heyward of Heyward Oil is about to spoil him.

"Well son taday's yer birthday. What do ya wanna do?"

"Can we go to Disneyland Pa? They have a whole section called Tomorrowland and a race car track called Autopia."

Mr. Heyward smiles as he claps Scott's shoulder.

"Tha's mah boy. Disneyland's gonna be a great client ta have. Can't be runnin no rides without oil."

"Yeah and maybe if they have real cars there I can take some notes for the research department."

Mr. Heyward chuckles as he goes to the phone.

"Ah'll just let yer tutor know yer goin on a field trip. That oughta make 'em happy yer doin yer science project."

"Ok, Pa."

Time Skip

"Alright then son. Ah'm gonna be talk with some a Disney's people. They said some fella named Bob Gurr's gonna be walkin ya through Autopia."

"Wow. Thanks Pa!"

Scott sits down on a bench with his camera and notepad. A young man his 20s approaches him.

"Are you Scott Heyward?"

"Yes. Are you Mr. Gurr?"

"That I am. Just call me Bob today. It's really an honor to have you and father come to the park today."

The two shake hands and start to walk to Tomorrowland.

"Now as you can see, the Moonliner was designed by one of my colleagues, John Hench and of course sponsored by Howard Hughes of Trans World Airlines."

Scott takes some pictures as they walk through the attraction. They get to the Monsanto Hall of Chemistry.

"Are you familiar with Monsanto, Scott?"

"Oh yes. I was only 7 when they had that explosion down in Texas City. Pa sent a crew to bring oil down to the site. He managed to get a deal where we can have a couple ships down at the port."

Bob nods. Eventually they make it to Autopia.

"Now this is what I helped design. I used what I learned from working with Ford."

"You worked with Ford? What did you do?"

"Well I helped design the Lincoln Continental. I published a few books on automotive design and that's what brought Mr. Disney's attention over to me. He wanted me to analyze the chassis for these cars. Originally designed by Hartmann Engineering, they were having issues regarding the ability to be mass produced. Too noisy and smokey with a lot of vibration. Eventually the company dropped out so I was brought on permanently to come up with a different design."

Scott's writing all of this down the best he can. Mr. Gurr's slowly turning into an idol.

"So where did you get the design for the cars? They don't look like anything I've ever seen."

"Take a closer look. If you're familiar with Porsche, I took the idea of their 54 550 Spyder and combined it with the recent custom made Italian Ferraris. Of course the Chevrolet Corvette also served as inspiration."

"Wow."

Bob continues telling his story. Scott listens to every word including everything about engineering he has yet to learn.

"What make are these cars now?"

"Currently these are the Mark II's. I had to fix the chassis so they can accommodate a sturdier, smoother-running engine. We've been getting a lot of youngsters so it was necessary to add booster seats and extensions on the peddles. I just finished a prototype for the Mark III and already started work on the Mark IVs"

"Why? What's wrong with these models?"

"Longevity and ease of repair. With how popular this attraction is getting it's only a matter of time before these cars will need repairing. Every month we're learning something new about what people like and don't like about the car. Just goes to show that even when a product is a success, there's still a lot that needs to be done to perfect it."

Scott writes this down as Bob finishes talking.

"Would you like to ride in one of these, Scott?"

"Yes! I'd love to."

Bob chuckles as they wait in line to ride in one of the cars.

Time Skip

"How was yer trip son?"

"I loved it Pa. Mr. Gurr let me take so many pictures and showed me all of Tomorrowland."

Mr. Heyward smiles as they make their way back to Texas. Scott would recite his notes and Bob's story. His father could only nod along as he never really got into the science side of business.

"Well Ah bet yer science project'll turn out real good."

"Oh yeah Pa. Until science finds a better way, everything needs oil. Even the rockets."

"Thatta boy. Yer gonna be takin Heyward Oil inta space."

Scott smiles and sits back in his seat. He starts to fantasize about making his own world of tomorrow.

AN: Shoutout to @xanatenshi for requesting this story.

Tagging: @mercsandmonsters, @georgefairbrother, @imaginationlast, @hooked-on-elvis, @arrolyn1114,

@teamnefarious​, @blighted-star, @ab4eva, @thetaoofzoe, @vintagepresley,

@myradiaz, @jaqueline19997, @kiankiwi, @ahundredlifetime, @mydarlingelvis,

@tupelomiss, @elvispresleywife, @karel-in-wonderland, @tacozebra051, @sillybookmarks,

@dusintv, @velvetelvis, @livelaughelvis, @slayingjd, @anamiad00msday,

@mistyspresley, @i-r-i-n-a-a, @yoooooooh, @southcarolinawoman, @peaceloveelvis,

@squaggleson, and @idk583838.

[secriden]

This is going to be a long ask. I am here to shamelessly promote my beloved JoongDunk. I hope you are having as much fun discovering them as I did.

For JoongDunk content recommendations, I would like you to check out their two personal projects written and directed by Joong himself.

The first is the MV for the Last Twilight OST.

https://x.com/dunknatachai/status/1767516781617496348?t=mJKtoNOtqbXkskp-75IauQ&s=19

Joong loved this song so much that he just had to shoot an MV for it.

The second one is the short film POCONG.

https://x.com/dunknatachai/status/1851945210722554274?t=0J8gHh8D4oFKzvPihGmBag&s=19

They made this short film for Halloween this year.

Both of these are made entirely on JoongDunk's own initiative. Joong was the one who came with the ideas and Dunk, as he often does, wholeheartedly supported Joong and helped bring his ideas to life. I find it very endearing that they took time out of their busy schedules to make these projects for their fans. I also find it endearing that they roped in their friends and family to help make these projects. They put in a lot of effort to do their best with tbe limited time and resources they had. I hope you enjoy watching them.

;A; oh my gosh anon, thank you!?! i'm loving discovering them so so much (the timing is slightly unfortunate as this week i have to write ~6000 words on education theory and practice + work but i called in sick today so i'm pacing myself and also comforting myself with consuming joongdunk content rn ^w^;;)

[ the joongdunk MV for Last Twilight ]

oh god this is... this is breaking my heart. the utterly adorable snippets of them just being cute in disneyland?? did this start out as an elaborate excuse to go on a date and film themselves? idk but i'm not complaining.

the constant hand feeding ugh. why is food such a universal and yet visceral love language?? how is it always effective. the cheek kisses. the head pats. the dancing and twirling. the teasing each other. its all so like... that phase of the relationship where everything the other person does is magic and you are just so happy being around them and scenes they shot captured it beautifully (and setting it in Disneyland??? the automatic shorthand that brings for 'magic' and 'fairytale' and 'dreams coming true' such a great idea.)

i had to look up the lyrics and the song is so good??? "The last image I'll remember is when we were together" is such a fire lyric like it has the double meaning of the last thing i remember of you was when we were still happy together as well as the last memory that will play in my mind before i die will be of you. which is. devastating.

but then. good god the crying scenes?? wtf??? i have re-watched dunk's breakdown as he's leaning against the pillar about 7 times now. the way you can see the sobs wrecking his frame. you can *hear* the wet gasps he's taking in through his tears. what a stunning performance.

[ Halloween short film POCONG ]

ok i'll be the first to admit that i am a Wimp (yes, with a capital W, i avoid horror and anything with horror like the plague because it tends to stay with me for ages). so i'm going to watch this but like.......... in tiny (as in the screen is going to be shrunk down because its less scary that way.) xD

ok fuck that was terrifying. i'm never seeing it again. it was impressively horrifying despite it evidently not being a professional production.

the blood was surprisingly realistic?? i feel like i've seen a lot of amateur productions (at school) and the fake blood is always really obvious. the mummy was also a very scary take on it; the way you can see how tightly the fabric is tied/woven around the humanoid figure and how thick it is, like someone suffocated in it. the sound design. *shudders* the whole panic/asthma attack and then when dunk starts breaking down/sobbing especially. fucking nightmares - i'm going to go listen to the Last Twilight OST again to cleanse my ears.

also, i almost feel like both productions were, particularly, a chance for dunk to really show his range. like joong may be producing this but its also very clearly a celebration of dunk's acting talent and i love that.

i really see what you mean about it being endearing that they'll do something like this. it definitely gives us insight into what they value as creatives and its an incredible treat that they chose to share it with the fans and also support each other in it. i wonder if joong has director/producer aspirations? it'd be interesting to see where his career takes him down the line. i was looking at MDL and was kind of shocked at how many shows he was in in 2022 alone given that was like... right after covid restrictions were easing. man took every chance he got to get back into the field and that's really impressive.

[shitty-check-please-aus]

but like I unironically think disney parks are a glimpse of what good infrastructure could be in the US if we gave a shit about anything the way we gave a shit about mickey mouse. if you've ever been to disneyland with someone in a wheelchair you know just how thoughtfully designed a lot of the park is in the service of equity. Custom cars, rail transfers, line protocols, all seamlessly done to help a small portion of society experience what everyone else is experiencing.

Also just the efforts they take to make mundane things like just waiting in line or existing to be enjoyable. It sets them apart from other theme parks, and we should treat city planning like that instead of just treating our streets and outdoors like just a means to a destination. It's ironic that one of the most capitalistic places today has traces in its roots of utopian, socialist ideals.

But yeah also rail and public transportation.

Yeah I think it's good to acknowledge the things that Disney does right, even while we criticize the things that deserve criticism! Disney parks are also pretty well-known for having a lot of rides that are accessible for larger people, stuff like ride swaps to make things easier for parents with small children, and they have decent accommodations for blind people as well (I watched a video from Molly Burke about that, it seemed like Tokyo Disney had better/more accommodations than Disneyland but they had several things to make things accessible here as well).

I'm sure there are other things as well, I'm just not trying to talk about stuff I don't know.

I've been seeing a lot of no nuance takes in my notes, which is extra annoying because I don't think my post made it sound like I believe Disney as a company is unquestionably great? I don't think I even really said anything about the company, just the fans. The point is, we can let many things be true at the same time

[harrywavycurly]

Joe taking Princess to Disneyland/Universal Studios. Packs a heated blanket because hotel duvets are too thin, watches videos of the rides before hand to make sure not to go on ones that would make Princess upset/dizzy, bringing a water bottle marked with the times and how much should be gone to make sure she stays hydrated, guides where they eat so that she gets some real food (ie. if she has a sweet treat he'll have her get oatmeal or a salad for lunch), rubbing her feet and putting bandages on her blisters. Sorry this is too long.

Hiiii babes!! Ohh yesss love this! So I’m gonna give you some conversations between Joe and his Princess that have to do with some of this! I hope you enjoy!💖

-Keep it moving and groovin if RPF ain’t your thing✨

-find all thing Joe x Princess here💖

(Also I’m fully gonna have to make this a series aren’t I?😂 masterlist coming soon)

*Joe is prepared for everything…except maybe for how absolutely adorable you look in the Disneyland gift shop*

“What’s wrong baby?” “I think…I think I forgot to pack my fuzzy socks…my feet will be cold now.” “I brought you two pairs Princess…also packed your little heating pad because I know these hotels have shitty blank-” “Joseph…” “sorry…these hotels have very thin blankets and I know you like to be all toasty warm for bed.” “You really packed me socks and my heating pad?” “Of course…I want you to be comfortable love.” “You’re too good to me.” “Ohh that’s enough of that…want to go check out the hotel pool?” “Oh yes!”

“What’s that? It looks…like fun?” “Oh I don’t think you’d like that ride baby…it has lots of loops and turns on it.” “Oh…yeah that doesn’t sound like fun.” “But there’s this one that I think you’ll have fun on and the line isn’t too bad.” “Can we get a snack after this ride?” “Of course my love…how much water have you had today?” “Uhh I’m about half way done with the bottle you gave me this morning…I like all the little lines and things on it that tell me I’m doing great at drinking my water.” “Yeah? I figured you’d like that…it’s also your favorite color.” “It is…if I drink all my water can I get a Mickey shaped ice cream?” “If you drink your water and eat more than just a corn dog for lunch then yes baby you can get a Mickey ice cream.” “A corn dog and French fires?” “Maybe something not fried…” “that’s hard…” “don’t worry about it my love we’ll find you something and then you can get your ice cream.” “Ohh look we are almost at the front! This is gonna be so fun.”

“Two pins and a stuffed animal?” “Baby…” “a stuffed animal and a mug?” “Love…” “a stuffed animal and one pin?” “Don’t..don’t give me the pouty lip baby that’s cheating…” “he’s just so cute…he told me he wanted to come home with me.” “Goofy told you he wanted to come home with you huh?” “He did…he said I’ve been good and had all my water and ate my lunch so…I deserve him.” “You have been quite the good girl today haven’t you? And you’re just…so cute in those glittery Mickey ears…” “please…pretty pretty please.” “Fine baby get whatever you want.”

“Why does having fun have to hurt?” “I’m sorry baby here let me see your poor little feet…does this hurt?” “No…feels good…can I lay down while you do this? I’m a little sleepy.” “Sure Princess get comfortable and I’ll put your socks on when I’m done…do you need your heating pad turned on?” “Oh yes please..maybe just on like the lowest setting? Since I’ll have you to keep me warm too.” “You like me more than your heating pad?” “I do…oh ouch that kinda hurt…” “Oh looks like you have a little blister on your heel sweetheart…I’ll get you a bandage and then we can cuddle and get ready for bed.” “That sounds great…Mickey mouse’s little theme park has worn me out.” “Mickey mouse’s little theme park? Baby…it’s called…you know what? Never mind.” “What?” “Nothing my love…I just love you is all.” “I love you too.”

[chenmark]

240914 - concert

kh1000le: touring with my best bud 😎🤟

mark: "thank you for making this city so great for my brother chenle"

“we even went to chase center. chenle's a huge fan of stephen curry. i swear to god, it was like bringing a kid to disneyland for the first time. he's like 'oh my god, oh my god' everywhere. it was really good to see him being that happy”

“i was walking around the city yesterday and i thought it’d be rlly cool if any one of our members lived here and we would visit here often and i was talking about it with chenle and chenle was like ‘i would love to live next to stephen curry”

- mark said chenle is so biased w sf bc it started to rain ytd and chenle had said that even the rain is more beautiful in the bay

- mark and chenle went to a shopping mall yesterday and chenle bought basketball shoes, basketball pants and shirt

- before encore chenle looked at mark to tell him that today felt so good

- chenle getting shy from mark’s eye contact (vid)

[hyzenthlayroseart]

Just for fun I decided to try and slightly redesign Pete to make him look more like his species like how he looked in Steamboat Willie, complete with a tail and whiskers. For his outfit I decided to go with what the Disneyland version of him is wearing. I considered giving him a peg-leg for old time's sake but decided not to.

He's had such an interesting design evolution since his first appearance in the Alice Comedies where he was a bear and didn't become a cat until he debuted in Mickey Mouse shorts. And yes, since he originated in the Alice Comedies that makes him Disney's oldest recurring character still used today.

This video gives a great breakdown into the history of his character evolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1uHbr3hdU4

[madlyn5ever]

Okay Part four of my casting thoughts for East High musicals (I thought I posted part 3 yesterday but I didn’t so that’s up now)

Today’s musical: Cindy and The Discoball !!

(It was my first live musical that I know of -I had a more interesting life as a child without their consciousness yet than now so, maybe I’ve been to one before I don’t know- I think I went to the frozen musical at Disneyland once a couple years ago but I only remember sitting down so I don’t think that counts)

(Anyway Cindy ATD was super fun and definitely a worth while experience if it ever runs again. I saw it at the Garry Marshall in Burbank and it’s small but so nice. It has cool memorabilia in glass cases inside and my Cindy sweatshirt is a favorite merch item of mine in the mix of concert stuff I own)

Anyway!

Kris: Ashlyn. Absolutely no contest Ashlyn would be playing Kris with a K. The non-binary energy here is something that just screams Ashlyn “gender is a construct let’s do this” Caswell. Absolutely my best casting decision for Ashlyn ever I think.

Cindy Fontaine: as much as this role is literally played by Saylor, I’m obligated to say Gina. (Maddox can’t act! But she’s doing her best!) Or Emmy, honestly I need to give Emmy some roles and I think this could be a good one for her. Being the youngest in the group she definitely could play a younger step-sister. I just- I think Gina would be cast here and do it well, but also Emmy’s good too so, I don’t know one of those two.

Eleanor: it’s tricky but I’d have to say, as much as she can’t really act, Dani. She could play a self centered spoiled older step-sister well. She would absolutely kill it as this frigid cool kid.

Buddy: this is a Ricky role and I’m absolutely right about it. The adhd sporty guy who’s actually kind of sweet and himbo-y fits Ricky so well. There’s no other East high drama kid who could pull off the timing of this man as Buddy. It’s almost too perfect.

Pablo: I’m gonna say seb because Pablo and Buddy are one whole nuckle head sandwhich and sebs innocent obliviousness with Ricky’s chaos demon would equal beautiful disaster in the most perfect way.

Soul Sister: Kourtney. Enough said. The powerful vocals, the fact that Kourtney would want to play a powerful woman who’s also magical, this is like Sharpay for her.

Tommy: as much as I’d love to make this little guy (he’s really just a little guy, who loves his school newspaper.)

As much as I’d love to make him Ricky to fit the Gina/ Ricky leads power duo, he can’t be Ricky, Ricky is too much of a Buddy.

So I’d probably say Jet. He’s perfect for this character because he is the kind of guy who could play a foil to Ashlyn’s character in a way. Like maybe not a foil but two people who are both friends with the main character and I don’t know I just think Ashlyn and Jet would make a great buddy cop duo and I feel like that in a way fits these two characters.

Also Jet singing about the news? Heck yes.

[coltrainbat]

Frank and his girlfriend reader bringing mary to Disneyland, florida for the first time

The Happiest Place on Earth is with You

A/N: This was a great excuse to watch Gifted again! Admittedly, I have never been to Disneyland but I did my research! Hope you liked the little twist I slid in there. 💕

“Ok so first I wanna go on Space Mountain, and then the Seven Dwarves Mine Train, and then Y/N, I know scary things freak you out but please please please you have to come to Tower of Terror with us!”

“Ok easy kiddo we haven’t even gotten through the Gate.”

Frank and you had taken Mary to Disney for the first time ever and it was safe to say… she was losing her mind. 

You waited in line, head strained up to listen attentively to Mary on Frank’s shoulders.

“I’ll go on the Tower of Terror with you on ONE condition.”

“What???” 

“You have to come with me to get a princess makeover at the Boutique.”

Mary groaned, face planting into Frank’s head.

“Oh, come on sweet pea it’d do you some good to have your hair brushed for once.” Frank pulled the legs of his niece. 

“Not for her you idiot, for me! I want to be the princess!” Mary’s face came back up and it light up in glee.

“Yes, yes, yes, Frank Y/N can finally be a real life, Princess!”

“Look at her Mary she’s already a princess.” He moved towards you closing the space between you to stealing a kiss.

“Guysss you promised to not be weird today.”  

“Sorry kiddo can’t help it; you’ll understand one day.” Chris pulled her down off his shoulders so she could walk through the barrier scanning her Magic Band.

Making your way through the gates, Mary was already hyper.  

“I did some research and the average wait time for rides is 36 minutes, with each ride lasting about 8 minutes, giving time for entering, being properly secured and then exiting...” 

She clicked her fingers at you two pulling your gaze away from each other. 

“Pay attention! Then exiting that mean’s we’d spend on average 48 minutes on each ride and since you promised we could stay here till 9, that gives us 11 hours… factoring in meal times...”

“Hey Mary?” 

“Yeah...”

“No more calculations today, have fun and get high on sugar like the rest of the kids here.” Frank patted his hand on the young girl’s head.

“Besides Mars we won’t have to wait that long.”

You called Mary, Mars because that’s where her head seemed at most days and also because you thought she was destined to be the first person on Mars.

One time Frank tried to get in on the nickname, but Mary quickly shut up him down saying it was a special thing between you two only. 

Heck, he didn’t care he was just glad she had a female role model in her life. You’d known Mary since she was 3 and you two, despite your differences in practically everything, got on like a house on fire.

“Why’s that?” she enquired.

Frank reached into his back pocket, pulling out 3 fast passes.  

“No. You. Didn’t.” Her eyes widened at the golden passes in his hand. 

“I didn’t but Y/N did.”

You beamed at your favourite little girl. As she jumped on you suddenly. Embracing you in a gleeful hug 

“THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU.”

“You’re welcome honey now let’s get started on that sugar… how about a… waffle?”

You didn’t think it was possible that such a small body could demolish Mickey waffles, Corn Dog Nuggets, Caramel Popcorn, half a turkey leg and a Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake all in the space of 2 hours. But that was Mary, constantly surprising you.

After your 3rd go on Space Mountain, you were finally able to drag the both of them to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

“Hi y’all what will it be today a Princess makeover for the little one.” The attendant peered over the stand, looking down at Mary.

“No, I have no interest in dressing up as a make-believe princess whose dependant on a man to save her, but this is my adult Y/N” 

The young girl gestured towards you

“Unlike the princesses in the movies, she’s actually real and much prettier than the CGI crap you guys spit out. We are here to get a crown fitted on her head which is my uncle Frank over here’s poor substitute for a wedding ring but at least he has his wits about him to treat her like a princess, so some deadbeat doesn’t come along to steal her from him and in turn me.”

Mary finished her spiel, meeting the attendants face whose eyes were practically bulging out of her head, she quickly blinked looking from the girl to you and Frank behind her, you both met her with a nervous smile as most people aren’t used to a 7-year-old talking like she’s straight out of a Tarantino movie. 

“A crown would be great thank you.” You managed to get out through clenched teeth. 

“Over there in the corner.” The attendant responded still in shock at what she just heard. Frank’s hand nudging Mary to move towards the display. All 3 of you quickly burst out with laughter. 

“For your information young lady, it’s not a substitute for a wedding ring its merely a temporary hold until I can afford to buy her the biggest diamond in the western hemisphere!” 

Mary gestured you to come down to your level “I wouldn’t hold your breath.” She whispered in your ear.

“Don’t worry Mars, I have another thing to hold him down.” 

The two helped you pick out a shiny tiara with pearl detail attached to a headband with 2 pink puffy Mickey Ear’s bordering it. 

“How do I look?” You placed the headband on your head. 

You were met with big grins from both of them.

“Beautiful” Mary gushed

“Like I should start watching my back before some “deadbeat” steals you.” 

“Ok good we are ready for the Tower of Terror then!” You smiled nervously.

Mary was right, you really didn’t like scary things. 

As you got into the dark elevator, you breathe became a bit ragged, something about being cramped in a dark space with a bunch of people about to be propelled down an abandoned shaft made you queasy.

“Hey, it’s fine I got you.” Frank’s grip on your hand tightened. 

“Me too.” The little girl, looked up at you holding your other hand. Giving it a small squeeze. 

While you shrieked in terror at the sudden drop, the pairs hands never left yours and Frank quickly supported your weight when you felt you were about to fall over with fear. 

As you exited the ride Mary ran in front of you both turning towards you.

“See Y/N it wasn’t THAT scary.”

“Yeah, no it was totally fine... totally fine.” You choked out, hand massaging your throat as Frank practically carried you out of the exit. Both of his hands around your waist coaxing you forward. 

“Hey kiddo let’s sit down here for a sec and have a bite to eat.” Frank gestured her towards the table outside a food stand. 

When you were all settled and comfortable, munching a way at your 5th meal of the day. 

Frank cleared his throat. 

“Mary, do you know why we brought you to Disneyland?”

“Because it’s the happiest place on earth and this is where “normal kids” have the most fun?” 

“Yes, that but also because we might not be able to do trips just all 3 of us like this again in the future.”

Mary’s heart sank, her mind went to the worst, thinking you were leaving them, leaving Frank because he wouldn’t marry you. It was too late, and a deadbeat had already stolen you. She was about to lose another key person in her life and there was nothing she could do about it. 

Noticing the sudden sadness on her face, you placed your hand on hers.

“Mars honey, I’m having a baby.”

The sadness on her face was replaced with pure shock. A silence fell over the table, and you looked at Frank with worry. Before you could assure the young girl that you weren’t going to love her any differently, she left out an earth-shattering shriek.

“AHHHH OMG I’M GONNA HAVE A SIBLING! Omg we can play Legos and I can teach them Trachtenberg and we can go on the boat and-“

“Ok easy Kiddo let’s wait till it’s out her stomach first yeah?"

The little girl latched onto your neck, embracing you in a hug.

“I’m so happy you’re not leaving.” She whispered into your ear. 

“I’m not going anywhere without you Mars.” Tightening your grip around her tiny frame in your arms.  

“She asleep?” Frank questioned.

You looked behind you towards the passenger seat seeing the sleeping child, head leaning on her shoulder, slumped in her seat. 

“Out like a light.” You smiled. 

You drove along the dark road illuminated by streetlights, a couple of streets away from home.

“I’d say she took the news well.” Frank smirked at you.

“Well? She almost exploded with joy.” You laughed softly hoping not to wake her up. 

Frank took your hand, pulling it up to his lips, kissing it softly. 

“If you’re anything like you are now with Mary, you’re going to be an amazing mom, Y/N”

“I love you.”

“I love you too beautiful.”

He pulled into your driveway.

Opening the passenger door, and carefully unbuckling her belt, weary not to wake her he pulled the sleeping kiddo out from the seat. He held her over his shoulder, holding his other hand out for you to take as you walked into the house after another amazing day. 

[thoughts-andor-musings]

Misadventure

Percy Jackson Sickfic

Annabeth had been planning this trip since July. Ever since I told her I had never been to Disneyland. Being a born-again-California-native, it was almost as if she had taken great personal offense to my lack of knowledge surrounding the park's ins-and-outs.

That’s why I didn’t have the heart to tell her that the park was about to see my ins-and-outs if I didn’t find my way out of this line for Space Mountain. It wasn’t the ride. In fact on any other occasion I would be crossing my fingers for the seat in front, but today I just felt sick. What had started as a mild headache and an “off” feeling, had gradually morphed into “I'm definitely not feeling good,” in a matter of hours.

“Percy,” Annabeth said excitedly, “we are so close to the front!”

And that was it for me. I couldn’t ruin her excitement; not when she looked like a little kid in a candy shop, bouncing back and forth on the balls of her feet.

“It’s going to be awesome,” I said, trying to match her enthusiasm.

She smiled and reached for my hand, before swinging both of our arms back and forth as we waited in line. With two available cars left on the ride, we managed to get seated next, just behind a couple presumably on their honeymoon, as they both had Mickey ears donning a tuxedo and a veil.

I let Annabeth step into the car first before sliding in beside her. For a second I contemplated telling an employee that I wanted off the ride, but I hesitated just long enough for the lap bar to lower into our laps and figured that was the point of no return.

The rollercoaster rumbled beneath us before jumping forward and running down the first bit of track. Just as predicted, it didn't take long for it to build up speed and we were plunged into total darkness.

I could feel my stomach growing queasier as the ride continued. I blindly felt for Annabeth’s hand along the lap bar.

“Are you okay?” Annabeth shouted, feeling my hand squeezing hers.

The ride continued to whip around blind corners and it was all I could do not to add vomit to the sticky footwells of the coaster.

I saw a flash of light from a ride-experience camera before the cars started to slow down and return to the start. I tucked my head in between my knees in a last ditch effort to get rid of the nausea and at the very least spare everyone else the displeasure of watching me puke if I wasn’t successful.

“Percy?” Annabeth asked, leaning down close to me. “What’s going on? Are you feeling sick?”

I nodded, trying to keep my eyes closed.

“Do you have a bag?” Annabeth asked the ride attendant, “my boyfriend is going to throw up.”

I could hear her futzing with the paper before she placed the small, open, motion sickness bag below my chin. “It’s okay.” She soothed, “just let it out.”

I felt a prickly heat curl around my ears before I threw up into the waiting bag.

An impatient ride goer must have voiced their disgust because the next thing I heard was Annabeth yelling in my defense. “Hey!” She shouted, “you think he wants to be sick? Just give him a second!

I felt her fingers card through my hair. “How are you doing? Do you feel better?”

I shook my head.

She took the used bag and rolled the top over, tucking the tabs in on either side. “Come on,” she said, gesturing to the exit, “we’ll go outside and get some fresh air. That should help.”

I slowly climbed out of the car, making sure not to jostle my stomach too much. I looked over at the ride attendant who looked completely unbothered by the incident. “Hey man, I’m sorry.” I croaked.

He just waved me off. “It happens all the time. Don’t sweat it.”

I figured he was just being nice; not really believing this was an everyday occurence on Space Mountain; a ride marketed towards families. I accepted the reassurance nonetheless.

By the time Annabeth and I made our way back outside, my stomach was starting to sour again.

“Beth, I need to sit down,” I said, slouching down on a nearby bench.

“Still feeling pretty rough?” She asked, squatting down in front of me to get a better look at my face.

“I think I'm sick,” I said, before swallowing some thick saliva.

She scoffed. “Yeah, the vomiting kind of clued me in on that one Seaweed Brain.”

“No,” I said, thickly. “I think I'm actually sick.”

Annabeth rubbed her hand across my knee. “You think this is more than motion sickness?”

I could feel my stomach beginning to crawl its way up my throat again. “Beth. Move.” I said, doing my best to hold down the upcoming vomit.

“Behind you Percy!” she said, turning my shoulders towards the long planter, “into the dirt.”

I followed her lead, twisting in my seat just in time to throw up into the flower bed situated behind the row of benches.

“That’s it Perce,” Annabeth soothed, rubbing her hand down my back, “just get it all up.”

Annabeth’s POV

Percy heaved again, crawling up on his knees to position himself over the back of the bench, completely facing the dirt. He let out another guttural heave, this time bringing up what I could only imagine was a replay of this morning’s buffet-style breakfast.

A mom who was sitting at a neighboring bench, offered me a baby wipe from the diaper bag at her side. “For when he is done,” she said, offering a sympathetic smile.

“Thank you so much.” I said, reaching for it.

“No problem,” she said, waving it off. “My husband is about to get off the ride with our oldest and I already anticipate him fairing about the same,” she giggled.

Percy pressed his forehead against the back of the bench, taking in hungry, deep breaths.

I leaned in closer next to him. “How are we doing?” I asked, rubbing my hands across his shoulder blades.

“I don’t feel good,” he said, punctuating his statement with a wet burp.

My heart pinched at the statement. “Can I do anything?”

He shook his head. “Jus’- ” he pressed a fist to his mouth to smother another burp. “Just need a minute.”

I pressed my hand to the back of his neck. “I think you have a fever.”

Percy just hummed in acknowledgment. “ ‘m sorry, Annabeth.”

“Don’t be,” I said, running my hand across his low back, “you can’t help it if you don’t feel good.”

He spit into the dirt before turning around and sitting on the bench. “I know but you’ve been looking forward to this trip.”

I sat down next to him. “I’ve been looking forward to a trip with you. If that means pay-per-view movies in bed, while you sweat this out, then so be it.”

He slumped against the back of the bench, wrapping his arm around his middle. “More like, puke it out.”

I laughed. “Do you think you're done for now?”

“For now,” he said

“Here,” I said, offering him the proffered baby wipe, “use this to wipe your mouth and we can make our way back to the hotel.”

“You know, I don’t feel so guilty now, letting your Dad pay for the more expensive hotel,” he said wiping the sick off his lips, “now I’m just grateful it’s in walking distance.”

Annabeth nodded in agreement. “Absolutely.”

Upon learning that Walt Disney, a demigod himself, had built Disneyland and the surrounding Disney hotels as a refuge for demigods — a place safe from monsters — Annabeth’s father had booked them a room at Disney’s Grand Californian. At the time Annabeth and Percy had protested, feeling bad about the extra cost. Mr. Chase wouldn't hear of it. “You guys enjoying a trip without the threat of monsters is worth it to me. Just don’t eat any of the snacks in the hotel minibar and we’ll call it even.”

“Do you want to start walking back to the room?” Annabeth asked.

Percy nodded.

Annabeth took his hand. “We’ll take it slow.”

[buriedself]

"  we're  going  to  be  taking  a  lie  detector  test  today.  you  will  be  hooked  up  to  the  machine,  and  we  will  ask  you  a  series  of  questions  -  whether  you  tell  the  truth  or  lie  is  up  to  you,  but  the  test  wil  be  able  to  snitch  out  any  lies."

"     the efficacy of polygraph machines is debatable and they can be defeated by countermeasures.  i understand that this is for fun, though.  let's begin.     "

"  to  start,  what  is  your  first  name  and  what  city  are  we  in  ?  "

"     my first name is hyunjung, but i use harper professionally.  we are in new york city.     "

"  thank  you.  how  are  you  feeling  today  ?  "

"     quite relaxed, actually.  it's been pleasant outside and yesterday, i won a case that i've been fighting for months.     "

"  understandable.  how  about  an  easier  one  -  what's  your  favourite  colour  ?  "

"     navy blue.  alongside other neutrals, it's the best to wear in court.  powerful, yet non-distracting.     "     of note  :  harper is, in fact, wearing a navy blue blouse at the moment.

"  and  your  favourite  film  genre ?  "

"     i don't often get the time for movie going.  action films are interesting, i suppose.  those spy movies, the mission impossible ones.  they're silly but hold my attention just enough.     "

"  let's  see  -  what  is  one  thing  you  wouldn't  be  found  without ?  "

"     my phone and a portable charger.  it's vital for me to be constantly accessible.  you won't believe the amount of times i have gotten calls from clients past midnight talking about an emergency.     "

"  keeping  it  light,  what's  your  drink  of  choice  ?  "

"     scotch.  great drink to celebrate a win with.     "

"  which  of  the  following  have  you  attended,  and  would  you  attend ?  "

bold  what's  been  attended,  italicize  what  would  attend  /  attend  again.

the  ballet.  the  met  gala.  the  horse  track.  the  race  track.  a  yacht  party.  the  opera.  the  orchestra.  a  broadway  show.  a  shakespeare  production.  a  concert.  a  comedian.  an  (  american  )  football  game.  a  soccer  /  football  game.  a  documentary  film.  a  film  premiere.  a  polo  game.  art  museum.  wine  tastings.  nyc  sightseeing  tour.  celebrity  sightseeing  tours.  haunted  tours.  charity  galas.  fashion  shows.  fashion  week.  disneyworld  /  disneyland.  a  basketball  game.  a  hockey  game.  a  baseball  game.  a  boxing  match.  a  cricket  match.  the  golf  course.  the  olympics.  

"  oooh,  we're  jumping  into  something  a  bit  heavier  now.  what  is  the  one  thing  you  want  to  achieve  in  life  ?  "

"     i've accomplished a lot in my life.  i'm name partner, i have clients that most firms can't even dream of.  what else is left  ?   "

"   ...     "

a long, suffering sigh.     "     a holiday with my children.  it's difficult to arrange such when they're grown up.     "

"  who  knows  what  the  fates  have  in  store.  how  do  you  feel  about  reputation.com ?  it's  all  anyone  seems  ​​​​​​​to  be  ​​​​​​​talking  about  lately.  "

"     are you familiar with libel  ?  i don't anticipate they will be up for very long, especially with the people they have been mentioning, codenames or not.  regardless, i have seen and heard much worse.       "

"  everyone  is  entitled  to  their  own  opinion,  i  guess.  what's  the  weirdest  /  craziest  headline  you've  read  about  yourself  there  ?  "

"     an absurd accusation that i was going to lose against some lawyer whose name i can't even remember on a case that i took years ago when i was just starting out in the firm.  first time i had a headline.  certainly won't be the last.     "

"  what's  something  you  are  currently  working  on  ?  "

"     legally, i am not allowed to say.  no amount of pointed staring will make me give you a response that you will be satisfied with.     "

"  i'll  look  forward  to  it.  one  last  official  question  -  and  it's  an  easier  one.  cats  or  dogs ?  "

"     i'm partial to small dogs, though i don't have the time for a pet.     "

"  personally,  i'm  a  dog  fan  anyday.  anything  else  you'd  like  to  add ?  "

"     this was a very riveting experience.  thank you.     "

"  well,  thank  you  so  much  for  joining  us  today  ​​​​​​​-  can't  ​​​​​​​wait  ​​​​​​​to  ​​​​​​​have  ​​​​​​​you  ​​​​​​​back  ​​​​​​​with  ​​​​​​​us  soon."